photometric lights

[lhg07]

I'm rendering in 3ds max and every time I use photometric lights, the image renders all black. Everytime I render with standard lights, its lit. I would rather use the photometric so I was wondering if I am missing some setting to make them show?

[Cad64]

Even in a new file? I thought this problem was related to your imported CAD file?

 

Photometric lights cast light a specified distance which is based on the intensity of the light. The light starts to decay as soon as it leaves the source, so you may need to increase the intensity in order to see it. Try putting the light right up next to a surface and render. You should see at least a small glow on the surface.

 

Also, when you create the Photometric light, are you clicking "Yes" when asked if you want to use "mr Photographic Exposure Control"? It's important that you click "Yes" when the message appears.

 

You also need to choose an Exposure Preset in the "Environment" dialog, based on whether you're doing an indoor or outdoor render and whether you're doing a daytime or nighttime render. Choose the preset that works best for your render.

[Cad64]

Here's a screenshot of a simple plane with one photometric light. You can already see the light being cast on the plane, just in the viewport.

[Cad64]

And here is the rendered image:

[lhg07]

I tried creating a new file to link and made sure that I set the preset to "saved autoCAD file" and it just started working. However, I can't get the photometric lights to work properly why is this so diffucult?!!?

[lhg07]

Does it make a difference that I am working in 3ds Max DESIGN?

[Cad64]

It shouldn't. Both versions of Max share the same core technology.

I really don't understand why you're having so much trouble with this?

Did you do everything I mentioned in my previous posts?

[lhg07]

how do I gt to the environment and effects settings?

[lhg07]

It doesn't show lights in my viewports. It only shows lights when I render.

[Cad64]

how do I gt to the environment and effects settings?

 

Rendering menu > Environment

 

Or just hit the number 8 key on your keyboard. That's the 8 key on the keyboard, not the keypad.

[Cad64]

It doesn't show lights in my viewports. It only shows lights when I render.

 

Hold down your Shift key and then hit the "L" key. This will toggle the display of your lights on and off.

[lhg07]

I can't get it to work. I don't know why.

[lhg07]

Daylights are working (somewhat) but photometric freelights and target lights will not work at all.

[lhg07]

I've never had this problem before. With my old version, my photometric lights looked like this: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1251488923291&set=a.1412621351501.2051237.1111530101&pid=30649936&id=1111530101

 

Now they wont render at all.

[Cad64]

The link is not working. Can you post your image here in the forum?

 

So if you open a new file, create a flat plane and add a photometric light with the settings I suggested, your render comes out black?

 

I don't know what else to tell you.

Have you tried re-installing the program?

[lhg07]

I don't think it is the program. Before I link in my CAD file, I tried making a cube and playing with photometric lights. It works exactly like the picture you posted. Then I link in my file and the lights don't work. It's got to be something with my CAD file? I did the AUDIT and it said there were no errors. I'm out of ideas.

 

[lhg07]

This photo is the best lighting that I can seem to get. It's just a standard omni light. No photometrics will work at all. I don't know what else to use...I need spots, daylighting, uplighting... I'm so screwed

[lhg07]

[Cad64]

If the CAD file is causing so many problems, why don't you just build your models in Max?

[lhg07]

I'm sure it's easier, but I don't know how to model in max. I only learned how to model in CAD and render it in max. I just don't have the time to learn...my project is due in a month.